To Change Transmission oil, or Not to Change?

[Bakka323]

I have heard two opinions about changing transmission oil. Both people have tons of experience towing and vehicle maintenance. However, the one that has more experience claims that we don't need to change transmission oil and the other guy claims you do? What are your thoughts?

[Len & Cheri]

I don't know of any manufacturer that says you don't have to change the fluid. I follow my owners manual and change at recommended mileage. What does you manual say?

[Cajun Po-Boy]

IMO...when you run tranny temps around the 200 degree mark or higher, conventional tranny fluid breaks down due to high heat thus giving you less lubrication to the tranny parts.

Tranny fluid is the lifeblood for all the parts that make up the transmission, depending on your towing demands and manufacturers recommendations, I'd change accordingly.

[TURBS]

Change mine once a year!
Synthetic.

Nothing more needs to be said.


Turbs

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by Ragin Cajun

IMO...when you run tranny temps around the 200 degree mark or higher, conventional tranny fluid breaks down due to high heat thus giving you less lubrication to the tranny parts.

I tend to agree although things are changing. My new Ford runs normally at 195 degrees. My guess is that fuel efficiency is enhanced by the higher temps. (Or why else do it?) And fluids keep getting better and better. But I think you are right about "conventional fluids". The newer synthetics are able to withstand a bit more IMO.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

I tend to agree although things are changing. My new Ford runs normally at 195 degrees. My guess is that fuel efficiency is enhanced by the higher temps. (Or why else do it?) And fluids keep getting better and better. But I think you are right about "conventional fluids". The newer synthetics are able to withstand a bit more IMO.

I believe the new trucks thermostaticaly control the trans temps now.

Turbs

[TURBS]

Also with the Allison I'll be servicing both filters once a year and the spin on twice a year.
And of course 7 QTS dexron VI


TURBS

[Len & Cheri]

Unless you put lots of miles on your truck or tow weekly, I think you're wasting your money changing so frequently and using sythentic.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Len & Cheri

Unless you put lots of miles on your truck or tow weekly, I think you're wasting your money changing so frequently and using sythentic.

60.00 a year or a 3000.00 trans ......
Hmmmmmmmmm.

Synthetic also lowered my trans temps

[Len & Cheri]

I need to shop where you shop if you can buy 7 qts of transmission fluid and 3 transmission filters for $60.

Your money. If you did it as recommended, you could afford to give B47 more then $25 for Vegas.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Len & Cheri

I need to shop where you shop if you can buy 7 qts of transmission fluid and 3 transmission filters for $60.

Your money. If you did it as recommended, you could afford to give B47 more then $25 for Vegas.

4.00 a qt x 7 for conoco Philips dexron VI
30.00 for Donaldson spin on and in pan filter.

I do my own labor of course.


Lol on the b47 deal!

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I believe the new trucks thermostaticaly control the trans temps now.

Turbs

I would agree with that assessment. The temp on my Ford does not change by more than a degree or two regardless of outside temps and whether I'm towing or not.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

I would agree with that assessment. The temp on my Ford does not change by more than a degree or two regardless of outside temps and whether I'm towing or not.

Kinda makes sense right

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Kinda makes sense right

Sure does! I was amazed on our first towing trip. Then decided that the temp was being actively managed by the truck.

[Herk7769]

I have always changed my car tranny fluid every 25,000 miles.
Never had a tranny problem.

The Allison has a spin on oil filter like a truck engine and the tranny oil filter gets changed (and oil topped off) when I change the truck's oil.

The trans will get serviced using the "hard service" maintenance schedule.

[saskrick]

I like to change mine every 75000 kms on a vehicle that doesn't tow. I put a filter and often I'll just drop the pan and replace the oil that is in there. I know its only a small percentage but still better than none and it lets me see if any metal stuck on the magnet.
Here is a thought. On all my equipment the recommendation is to change the oil in the trans and diffs by the first 100 hrs and then at longer intervals after that. The idea is to get all the junk out early that may be in there then you are safe for a long time. Might be something to think about.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I have always changed my car tranny fluid every 25,000 miles.
Never had a tranny problem.

The Allison has a spin on oil filter like a truck engine and the tranny oil filter gets changed (and oil topped off) when I change the truck's oil.

The trans will get serviced using the "hard service" maintenance schedule.

What is the "hard" service interval recommendation?

[Herk7769]

It varies with transmission and manufacturer so you will need to check your service manual. Towing, taxi, dusty conditions, police, etc are considered "hard service" and typically radically compress the recommended service mileage.

For example, my 2008 GMC Allison Transmission owners manual says:

Change spin on Allison filter at first oil change and -
Check Fluid level and add as required every year with DEXRON VI

In areas where the ambient temperatures are below -40F or C, the use of Synthetic transmission fluid is approved, however ONLY use Allison specification TES-295 or warranty is void.

Change automatic transmission fluid and spin on filter every 100,000 miles (normal service)

Change automatic transmission fluid and spin on filter every 50,000 miles
Severe Service - Footnote (h) regardless of DIC notification

Footnote (h) - GVWR of vehicle over 8600 pounds and driven in:
City traffic when outside air temp exceeds 90 degrees F
Hilly or mountainous terrain
Frequent trailer towing
Taxi, Police, or delivery service

My wife's 2012 LaCrosse states to change the transmission fluid every 45,000 miles regardless of service.

Hope this helps

(PS - My dad always told me that if I forgot to have my transmission serviced by 50,000 miles to NEVER get it serviced as the crud in the seals is the only thing keeping the oil in. Changing it after 50,000 will result in severe tranny leaks. He was right about a few other things and I never tested his transmission theory and took it on faith.)

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by herk7769

It varies with transmission and manufacturer so you will need to check your service manual. Towing, taxi, dusty conditions, police, etc are considered "hard service" and typically radically compress the recommended service mileage.

For example, my 2008 GMC Allison Transmission owners manual says:

Change spin on Allison filter at first oil change and -
Check Fluid level and add as required every year with DEXRON VI

In areas where the ambient temperatures are below -40F or C, the use of Synthetic transmission fluid is approved, however ONLY use Allison specification TES-295 or warranty is void.

Change automatic transmission fluid and spin on filter every 100,000 miles (normal service)

Change automatic transmission fluid and spin on filter every 50,000 miles
Severe Service - Footnote (h) regardless of DIC notification

Footnote (h) - GVWR of vehicle over 8600 pounds and driven in:
City traffic when outside air temp exceeds 90 degrees F
Hilly or mountainous terrain
Frequent trailer towing
Taxi, Police, or delivery service

My wife's 2012 LaCrosse states to change the transmission fluid every 45,000 miles regardless of service.

Hope this helps

(PS - My dad always told me that if I forgot to have my transmission serviced by 50,000 miles to NEVER get it serviced as the crud in the seals is the only thing keeping the oil in. Changing it after 50,000 will result in severe tranny leaks. He was right about a few other things and I never tested his transmission theory and took it on faith.)

I was told today that dexron VI was specd for Allison ......
Brb

[jonnys_walkers]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Change mine once a year!
Synthetic.

Nothing more needs to be said.


Turbs

X2

Change filter and add 20 litres slightly over 5 US gallons.